Opener Friday or Monday: Barnsdall softball ready to go

Thursday

Joe Gilbert is a resourceful and determined coach when it comes to overcoming the challenges that stand in the way of his team being able to compete.

But, even the veteran Barnsdall High School softball skipper has found his match in Mother Nature.

Despite Gilbert’s top efforts — and they are extraordinary — the Lady Panthers had to call off Thursday’s scheduled slowpitch game due to a wet field following a brutal winter stretch for most of the past several days.

And, Friday’s home festival also was in doubt, as of Wednesday’s evening.

But, sooner rather than later, Gilbert will send his Lady Panthers into action.

They could cause many opponents major headaches.

Gilbert said good-bye to just three starters off last year’s team — his catcher, third baseman and one outfielder.

But, he welcomes Bayleigh Walling — a talented player that boosted Barnsdall during the autumn fastpitch campaign — as his likely new third baseman, which means he should have little drop-off, if any, at that position.

Walling also played at third during the fastpitch season.

He’s also got a strong competition going between multiple candidates, including freshmen Kaylee Rasberry and Tylee Roach, to fill the catcher’s role.

And, he has plenty of potential candidates to complete his starting outfield, including Haley Tarwater, who saw playing time last season in the pasture.

One of his prime-time returnees is starting pitcher Jasmine Shores, who always gives Barnsdall a chance to win.

“She don’t walk many,” said Gilbert. “She makes them hit the ball and she has pretty good lift on the ball — and she can hit.”

Battle-proven first-stringers back on the infield include Kyndal LeFlore at first base, Kendra Walker at second base and Khailey Sofian at shortstop.

His three veteran full-time starting outfielders include Kinlee Bloomfield (rover), Macy Holt and Jaydon Mackey. In slowpitch softball, four outfielders are utilized.

Assuming Mother Nature has its way, Barnsdall’s first game might to be until next Monday at Preston, followed by a road trip Tuesday to Welch, and at a road tourney later in the week.

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